Why Riding Your Bike Makes You A Better Person (According To Science)

From the 2,400-mile Sierra Cascades route to the colorful RAGBRAI across Iowa -- complete with party buses and the occasional costume -- it's safe to say that long-distance cyclists lead extreme lifestyles. But as it turns out, logging miles upon miles on two wheels is also a fast track to health. Whether you pedal regularly or haven't been behind the handlebars since your ride had training wheels, we could all learn a thing or two from cyclists.

Here's what cyclists can teach the rest of us about leading a happier, healthier life.

Cyclists are in really good shape.
It should come as no surprise that a dedicated cyclist is bound to be one of the fittest people around. Just one hour on the bike burns well over 500 calories, depending on incline and how quickly you're pedaling. It's an excellent way to get your heart rate up that can actually help slow the decline of cardiovascular health in older people, according to a 2013 study. In addition to helping your heart, biking uses a range of muscles, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and even your core. Plus, cycling doesn't put the strain on your joints that running or other forms of cardio may, making it a welcome source of low-impact exercise.

They take safety seriously.
Long-distance cyclists push physical and mental limits. They power through the beating sun, howling wind and occasional rainstorm. But despite the risks they take upon themselves, smart cyclists like to play it safe. While riders face a higher injury rate than drivers, research also shows that the overall health benefits of the added physical activity outweigh the risks of accidents and inhaled air pollution.

That's why when it comes to gear, safety matters most, and helmets are at the top of the list, three-time Tour of California winner and Tour de France podium finisher Levi Leipheimer tells The Huffington Post. "A helmet is by far the most critical [piece of equipment], and all bicycle helmets on the market pass the same safety standards, so, at least in theory, they're all very safe regardless of price,” he says. Despite the CDC's recommendation to always wear a helmet, 58 percent of Americans never do, according to a 2009 Consumer Reports survey. That's pretty scary considering 97 percent of cyclists who have died in traffic accidents were not wearing a helmet. Safety first!

Cyclists know that self-sufficiency pays off.
Forget relying on others: When they're gearing up to pedal long miles, bikepackers often need to travel with everything in tow. “Cyclists need to be more self-sufficient the longer they ride,” Daniel Jessee, outdoor programs and outreach market manager at REI, who keeps a $20 bill stuffed in his saddlebag while he's riding, tells HuffPost.

This type of mindfulness is one that many strive for in everyday life. "The benefits [of being a self-sufficient person] are that you don't depend as much on external things to make you happy," says Steve Taylor, Ph.D, author of psychology book Back to Sanity. He says that self-sufficient people have a stable core of well-being, which means they can rebound more quickly after negative events and don't get so carried away by positive ones.

But other research shows that it's not simply the act of cycling but the intensity of the exercise that actually leads to a longer life. Pedaling hard enough to be out of breath on a regular basis, as opposed to riding at a pace that allows you to chat, can help women and men live four and five years longer, respectively.

Interested in taking up the sport yourself?So you're ready to feel the wind in your hair and those pedals under your feet. Luckily, it's easier to start cycling than you may think. We talked to the experts to find the best tips for beginner cyclists:

Know the cost. When buying a bike, expect to spend anywhere between $500 and $3,000. The cheaper the bike, generally the heavier the frame and the wheels. The weight may not matter quite as much for someone who wants to commute to work as it will for someone planning a cross-country cycling vacation.

Invest in some biking-specific clothing. "Good-quality padded bike shorts, padded cycling gloves and a comfortable helmet will do more for your enjoyment of cycling than anything else (other than your bike),” says Jessee. “Cycling jerseys are designed to wick moisture and carry other essentials for your ride -- like a cell phone, keys and food."

Be prepared. Jessee recommends always carrying a patch kit to fix a flat, along with a way to pump air back into the mended tire, identification, a cell phone, a credit card and some cash in case of emergencies.

Build up to longer distances. Unfortunately, you can't just hop on your bike and pedal hundreds of miles. It takes time and plenty of riding to be able to cover serious ground. "It's a bit like anything; start slow and build up," says Leipheimer. "Once you're out on your journey, it's too late to get fit, so start your preparation early."

Cross-train. Leipheimer also suggests new riders build strength and flexibility with yoga and Pilates. Even though these additional activities can help enhance training, they're more like bonuses -- Pilates and yoga can't really replace the real deal. "There's nothing quite like cycling to prepare you for cycling," he says.

So long treadmills, we're going rogue! This story is part of our Go Rogue series, where we explore how outdoor sports make us healthier, happier and full of adventure.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article mentioned the Pacific Crest Trail, which is not open to bikes. The Sierra Cascades route is the modern equivalent.